Physical and chemical environmental factors influencing on the outbreak of freshwater red tide by Peridinium bipes (dinoflagellate) in Soyang Reservoir were studied. Red tide occured in the site of inflowing of tributary streams annually, but the extent and severity of red tide varied from year to year. Several environmental factors such as water level, nutrient releasing from sediment, cyst resuspension, and concentrations of $Ca^{2+}$ and $Mg^{2+}$were studiedin relation to development, extent, and duration of red tide. In June of 1989 and 1991, the red tides of Peridinium bipes were very severe, and these red tides coincided with notable and rapid drawdown of lake water in late spring. Nutrient releasing and cyst resuspension by turbulence during drawdown were suggested as main causes of red tide. The quanity of nutrient releasing from sediment and hydrometeorological factors such as run-off and wind may determine the extent and duration of red tide.